Pages

Friday, June 19, 2009

Over the last ten days, 201 people completed the language survey. Participants were asked to check the selections that best captured their sense of the phrase “Spiritual but not Religious”.

A few notable highlights of the results include the following:

- The two most popular phrases were “Inclusive and open vs Separatist and closed” and “Personal discovery vs Orthodox beliefs”. Both were chosen by 41% of participants.- 46% of men chose “Inclusive and open vs Separatist and closed” compared to 39% of women.- 53% of men chose “Personal discovery vs Orthodox beliefs” compared to 34% of women.- 51% of people aged 31 to 45 chose “Inclusive and open vs Separatist and closed” compared to 33% of people aged 46 to 64.- The third most popular phrase was one that was suggested by a Founding Contributor in the original Survey. It was “Journey of growth vs statement of truth.”- The fourth most popular phrase was “Values such as love and peace vs Beliefs such as afterlife and atonement.”

Here is a selection of the many thought provoking alternative suggestions offered by participants:

Work in progress vs Quick fixesHopeful vs FearfulConnected to all vs Separate from someVibrating with the universe vs Religion by recipeResponsible creator vs Passive victimResponsible Freedom vs Stifling ControlPersonal belief not Group beliefSynchronicity vs DivisionGoodness - for its own sakeCompassionate as opposed to JudgingListening as opposed to Telling/declaringResponsive as opposed to StagnantWondering rather than KnowingMystery rather than CertaintyThe meal vs. The menu

I especially appreciated the one participant who, with brutal honesty, suggested the following:NewAgey rather than Rigorous.Vague rather than Specific.Fashionable rather than Encompassing complexity.

One participant offered the phrase, Burned by organization but open to spirituality. My heart aches at this response, as I know the pain of being burned by the church. My deepest desire is that those of us in the SBNR movement who are hurt by the church can find healing. As we create a community of love and acceptance, we will be a force for healing in the world.

Thank you to all who participated. It has been most helpful, and I intend to use many of the new phrases. All perspectives are valid. Thanks for sharing.